Eduard A-10C Update Sets (for Hobby Boss) 1:48

[Mike]

A-10C Update Sets (for Hobby Boss)

1:48 Eduard

 

 

Hobby Boss have had a couple of A-10 kits in 1:48 over the years, but have recently released an updated kit for the modernised type C that is currently in use with American forces, complete with all manner of technological updates to keep it in touch with Allied forces, and taking out those of the enemy.  Eduard's new range of sets are here to improve on the kit detail in the usual modular manner.  Get what you want for the areas you want to be more of a focal point.  As usual with Eduard's Photo-Etch (PE) and Mask sets, they arrive in a flat resealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between.

 

 

 

Interior (491324)

Two frets are included, one nickel-plated and pre-painted, the other in bare brass, plus a small sheet of acetate film that has been pre-printed with shapes to aid cutting out of the parts.  A complete set of new layered instrument panels, sidewall quilting and instruments, and complex side consoles with added levers for the cockpit and the extensive instrument panel for the cabin are in full colour; ejection seat controls with tip of the launch rail; details for the rear ‘turtle’ deck behind the pilot and on the closure mechanism, as well as on the sides around the aft of the cockpit. Additional parts are supplied for the HUD frame, and here one of the strips of acetate is scored to create a flat-topped right-angled triangle that fits inside the two sides, and a coloured PE lens for inside the bottom.  Finally, the canopy and windscreen are detailed with additional instruments and roll-over hoop frames that include rear-view mirrors on the canopy side.

 

 

 

 

SPACE 3D Printed Cockpit Decals (3DL48098)

The Eduard SPACE sets use new 3D printing techniques that lay down successive layers of different colour resin, creating highly realistic almost full complete panels that are supplied on a decal sheet.  They can depict metallic shades, plus glossy, satin, and matt colours too, which really ups the detail on everything they print.  In addition, a small sheet of nickel-plated and pre-painted PE is included for the aspects of the set that lend themselves better to this medium, such as seatbelts and rudder pedals.

 

 

The 3D printed sheet contains a superbly detailed multi-part instrument panel that requires the removal of the inferior styrene details, plus more for the side consoles, which also have additional levers installed.  A detail insert is provided for the control column, a colourful insert for the HUD and two patches on the top corners of the seat cushion are the last decals, then the kit seatbelts and seat controls are relieved of their moulded-in details so the new pre-painted PE replacements can be fixed in place to complete the overhaul.

 

 

 

 

Seatbelts STEEL (FE1325)

These belts are Photo-Etch (PE) steel, and because of their strength they can be etched from thinner material, which improves realism and flexibility in one sitting.  Coupled with the new painting method that adds perceived extra depth to the buckles and other furniture by shading, they are more realistic looking and will drape better than regular brass PE.  As well as the crew belts, you also get a set of controls and pull-handles either side of the pilot's knees that gets him out of there in case of an emergency.

 

 

 

 

 

Masks (EX915)

Supplied on a sheet of yellow kabuki masking tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with a full set of masks for the canopy, with compound curved handled by using frame hugging masks, while the highly curved gaps are in-filled with either liquid mask or offcuts from the background tape.

 

 

 

 

Masks Tface (EX916)

Supplied on a larger sheet of yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with everything above, but also give you another set of canopy masks tailored to fit the interior of the glazing so that you can paint the interior and give your model that extra bit of realism, which should come in useful if you purchase any of the detail sets that also include extra details for the canopy. 

 

 

 

 

Review sample courtesy of